Act 12
Life … the time for the living to live. One’s life starts when one is born. Shortly thereafter, we are given something that stays with us no matter where we go – a name. Immediately, we are nourished, so we grow physically, mentally, and emotionally from babies into young children … and that’s when we start to dream about our future life. Growth never stops, so from children we move on as teens .. but school is still much of life at this point.

Eventually, we move into adulthood as women and men with many things going on in our life. Whether its work, play, or family, life can be complicated, so many times we hope for the best. Maybe above all else, people desire love, and go through many ups and downs in that quest.

No matter the situation, human encounters also provide a wide-range of emotions – so Act 13 features songs with a positive emotion in the title … but because it was the Act 12 feature, love is not acceptable, and using tears will be scrutinized.

Production Note
To prevent browsers crashing from loading too many videos, please 1) include the song title and artist in your text, and 2) paste the URL as part of your last line (not a new line). The latter will provide a link, thus not embed the actual video … but I don’t mind unembedding, so apologies are not necessary.

Announcement
Back in the early 1960s, they were part of the British Invasion and one of my favorite bands. Ladies and gentleman, a big aFa welcome to the Dave Clark Five with Glad All Over.

Oh yes…….I did enjoy hearing this song again. A real blast from the past, Frank. My choice is even older. My dad used to love listening to Jim Reeves singing “Whispering Hope.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqwomT5YSiw My sister and I often used to sing this as a duet, with me on the piano. 🙂

I hope this works, Frank! From my favorite English comedy group, Monty Python’s Flying Circus and their wonderful but sacreligious parody “Life of Brian.” Always Look on the Bright Side of Life!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlBiLNN1NhQ

Dave Clark Five – wow – haven’t thought about them for a few decades 🙂 That was fun! Here’s my offering: James Taylor ‘How Sweet it Is’ Unfortunately the only live version I could find is from 1979. http://youtu.be/1Mp0rBHhXMs

Now you’ve done it, hurled me back to that dreamy innocence when I thought surely life was bound to get better–romance would cure, secure everything. While everyone else was crazy for the Beatles, my heart belonged to Dave and the Five–voices, songs, looks–they had it “glad all over” the other Brits. Thanks for this fabulous song. (I recently saw a documentary–PBS–that had me singing along to every hit. And grieving the deaths of some group members.)

Ponder,
Thanks for sharing your affection for the Dave Clark Five, and they were one of my favorites as well. I was going to leave you with “I Like It Like That” but it’s stretching the parameters … so I will move ahead many years for a sing-a-long with Three Dog Night’s Joy to the World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFypAB7nYGA

First one that popped to mind was the bright side of life [already taken] and then I remembered one song which was inescapably heard in every speaker everywhere [in London] back in ’87-’88 but still as fresh and pleasant to listen to: ‘Wonderful Life’ by Black [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2K_1qvIsFo and of course I couldn’t leave out …’Can you Feel it’ by Jackson5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW1fXL3s7bk …how uplifting can a song get!
A joyful Tuesday to you, Frank! 🙂

Marina,
Well now … Wonderful Life surely is a catch-all title for positive emotions … and I didn’t expect the Jackson 5 to appear … Whew …oh the early days of videos! For your effort, here’s a bonus treat for you … way back to 1969 … Laughing (Guess Who). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRqHfRiGdjg

Fasab,
An excellent choice, as well as one that one would have immediately came to mind for me. On the lighter side, I recall Josh Grobin singing this line on David Letterman to this tune … You knocked me up like Arnold Schwarzenegger.

I found this one to be the most difficult, hopefully this song fits the bill. You will have to read the translation, the song is called Uyinkosi Enothando – Joyous Celebration 18. I thought it was just beautiful when I listened to it this morning. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2ALEGj98nw

Catherine,
Oh my my … I am so happy that you made this more difficult than it is because what a fabulous addition. I can’t understand the words, but it’s so moving that I can’t stop listening. Well done!

Once I thought of this one, I tagged it for you because you mentioned this act’s difficulty … Not sure if you will like the song, but the title is perfect … Don’t Worry, Be Happy (Bobby McFerrin) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU … Whistle along!

Tim,
I like your imagination on this one … great song!!! … However, I was expecting this one from you. Because you didn’t, this one is from me to you …. your man, James Brown and the horn section you enjoy! … I Feel Good https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t08ejaQqWjY

You Got That Right! “I Feel Good” WOULD have been a great pick, and thanks for including “The Hardest Working Man In Show Business” doing his famous uptempo performance of the tune on Ed Sullivan’s BIG SHEW.
For more on “THE KING” as he (NOT ELVIS!) was known as in SW Virginia where I grew up, I recommend the recent James Brown biopic “Get On Up!”

Artistinsa,
Glad you enjoyed my flashback to the early 60s. Knowing that music is important to your family, here’s a throwback from me to you that you will enjoy … I Only Wanna Laugh (Dusty Springfield). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0l0mfzsVrk … Enjoy … after all … all those who comment must have a song. 🙂

I so wanted to join in last night, Frank, but circumstances beyond my control…and all that! 🙂 I didn’t see this old favorite in the list of comments, but if it is indeed a repeat, I’ll suggest another. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n_e1oqhiMM “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night!

Debra,
Correct … the song was used above … yet I know you want to try again. Meanwhile, he’s one to hold you over … and one you know … and fitting for making you next choice … Make Me Smile (Chicago) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPwlB5LbGP4 … Enjoy

Mary,
Passing is OK .. but hey … because everyone gets a song, here’s one from me to you … lotsa energy on this one … and it’s a title with 2 words that qualify for the theme .. Pride & Joy (Stevie Ray Vaughan) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWGa21-c4IE … enjoy!

Hope I’m not too late, Frank…but here’s one that makes me smile: the Starland Vocal Band’s “Afternoon Delight” , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz1ex78QeQI. They wrote “Country Road” that John Denver recorded and often were his opening act when he travelled. My all time favourite, as you know, is the Trogg’s WILD THING…but you and I have yet to perfect our dance to it so I’m reluctant to throw it out there again…..until we’ve had a bit more practice. You smiling, Sweet-Tea???
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Raye

Raye,
Love the fact that you used an unused descriptor. Well done! Of course the song title leads my mind into the gutter. In terms of their link with John Denver, I saw a video of them on the Merv Griffen Show with JD essentially introducing them.

In terms of dancing to Wild Thing … although I know the song (and recall the Troggs making it a hit), I listened for a sense of a dance. Whew … as a ballroom guy, this one will be a challenge … but I can innovate. 🙂 … Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.

Dale,
I was surprised that I Gotta Feeling wasn’t used … so thanks for Fergie! I’ve seen numerous parody videos to this song, this my be the first time I’ve seen the original video. Love the NBC Today show cast doing a video.